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Post by niftyshark on Mar 21, 2019 16:52:04 GMT -6
It was barely past sunhigh and Shrikewind was ready to have a panic attack. He stood in the middle of camp, vision swirling as cats receding back after congratulating him. He watched as Floodstar--now Floodfield--returned from the Frozenpool with Rosedawn, having renounced his leadership before StarClan in favor of moving to the elder's den. It was his turn now to journey there to receive his nine lives.
His nine lives.
Did he want to live and have to die nine times? Did he want the responsibility? Being deputy was one thing... but becoming a leader was another deal entirely. It wasn't something he could smile about and pretend to be. He was in it, or he wasn't. But how could he, of all cats, become leader? If anyone found out what he'd done... he didn't know what would happen. His thoughts drifted to Echofrost, Blossomrain, and then even worse, to Flareheart. One word and she could endanger the secrets he kept hidden. She could topple everything.
With stone-like movements, Shrikewind neared the medicine cats' den. He knew newly-named Bayflower would preside over his ceremony, and he felt sick to his stomach. He waited for the medicine cat, heart heavy as his gaze hung at his paws. There was no way he could get away with this.
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Post by gingerluna on Mar 21, 2019 17:15:06 GMT -6
Bayflower. Bayflower! He'd been ecstatic when Rosedawn had agreed with his name idea. He knew it wasn't routine, but she'd taught him everything he knew, and he wanted to be named after her. It felt right, and he loved it. He'd said it over and over again to Otterspirit and Whispcall, practically bouncing up and down like a kit at the sound.
And now, he got to accompany Shrikewind to the Frozenpool to receive his nine lives. It was an incredible honor, and he couldn't wait. Usually Rosedawn would've gone, but many cats were still weak from the illness that'd wrecked the Clan, and they'd both decided this would be best. He heard a cat approaching their den and poked his head out, eyes shining as he looked at Shrikewind. "Are you ready?" he asked, practically scrambling out to meet the new leader. "It's a bit of a journey, but it's going to be so amazing!"
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Post by Warrioress on Mar 21, 2019 17:39:52 GMT -6
Flareheart was crouched in the shadows of the camp, her eyes narrowed as she watched Shrikewind meeting up with Bayflower at the medicine cats den. With Floodstar stepping down, her brother would take over. Her muzzle twitched at the thought of her brother leading the clan, one whom had betrayed the clan moons ago. She had already dismissed Haypaw for the day and she was already such a solitary cat that no one would think twice about her disapearing out of camp. Making a split second decision, she decided to follow the two cats, rules shoved aside. Shrikewind was more likely to reveal his secrets to Bayflower than anyone else and this would be the perfect time, information she could use.
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Post by niftyshark on Mar 21, 2019 17:51:45 GMT -6
Bayflower emerged far sooner than Shrikewind wished, and he forced a smile when the young tom spoke. "I'm ready. We can leave now." Out of habit, he looked for Flareheart, but he didn't see her. While his posture didn't change, he felt a little better. Maybe she was off training, or busy doing something else. That would make what he was about to do much easier. With a beckoning nod, Shrikewind led the way out of camp and set off towards the direction of the Frozenpool. He knew the general direction, but it would be his first time going there, so he would have to rely on Bayflower after WillowClan territory. He kept his thoughts on their surroundings to keep from thinking too much, and eventually he glanced towards Bayflower. "You did well earning your name. WillowClan is lucky to have you as its next medicine cat."
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Post by gingerluna on Mar 21, 2019 18:03:38 GMT -6
Bayflower trotted alongside Shrikewind, head high, looking up at the blue sky above them and scenting the wind as they travelled. The compliment caught him off guard, and a warm feeling spread in his chest. "I had good mentors," he finally replied. "I can't wait to be one of your medicine cats! I'm sad Floodstar's stepping down, but I've heard about nine lives ceremonies, and they're so cool!" His next step was a bound, his tail flying out behind him in a flash of white. "You can't tell anyone what happens, except me and Rosedawn. It's a secret between you and StarClan." He looked back at Shrikewind. "It's scary, but beautiful. The Frozenpool's incredible, I know you'll love it there."
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Post by Warrioress on Mar 21, 2019 18:07:18 GMT -6
Flareheart waited until the two cats were out of camp before standing up and trotting out of camp, shaking her fur out briefly before slipping into the forest. Knowing they were heading to the frozenpool, she veered off track for a the first part of traveling through Willowclan territory, not wishing for someone to catch wind of her scent overlapping the others and possibly making the connection that she followed. She did a large half circle path so that she would come across Shrikewind and Bayflower's scent near the border when she reached it.
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Post by niftyshark on Mar 21, 2019 18:40:30 GMT -6
"They are!" Shrikewind agreed with practiced enthusiasm. "I've always wanted to see the Frozenpool. I know how sacred it is." And he was about to trample all over it. His gut twisted, and he pushed forward, jumping across a stream. His pace was quick as the marshes changed to firm grasslands, and the ground sloped upward and downwards in sloping hills. High Cliffs was visible in the distance, dark against the blue sky, but they would end up walking past it. The sun tracked their time, and it was starting to sink from its zenith by the time they finished crossing the fringes of their territory. The river that cut through their territory and divided their border with RavenClan stretched onwards into the outlands, and Shrikewind paused. "Bayflower, it's your turn to lead now." He kept his expression neutral and only looked forward.
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Post by gingerluna on Mar 21, 2019 18:47:32 GMT -6
Bayflower's paws grew sore and weary as the journey bore on, but the familiar sight of the cliffs before him sent fresh energy surging into his steps. He stared up at the cliffs with wonder, only snapped out of his trance by Shrikewind's words. He nodded in response. "We need to make it by dark. Follow the river." He pushed himself into a trot as they paced alongside the shore. Soon the cliffs were looming above them, and Bayflower turned from the river to lead Shrikewind up a rocky path, worn by the paws of generations of medicine cats. His paws shook ever so slightly as he approached the dark tunnel, and he turned to face Shrikewind. "The sun's just set. We'll rest for a bit, and head in before moonhigh."
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Post by niftyshark on Mar 21, 2019 19:02:33 GMT -6
The ever-changing terrain kept Shrikewind focused enough that he didn't contemplate too much. He was tired and weary by the time they crossed the rocky paths, but he pushed through the pain. The stone underneath his paws could almost be described as soft, and he swear he heard whispers on the breeze. When he looked around, he saw no one except a dark, rocky crevice opening before them. The dusty-gray tabby sank to his belly and nodded at the medicine cat, closing his eyes and clenching his teeth to hide his faint trembling. The air felt different here, everything did. It make him feel weak, like he was nothing. Like he didn't belong. He willed himself to relax and for the sun to hurry and set, but it felt like the time was slipping by as slowly as a snail.
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Post by gingerluna on Mar 21, 2019 19:11:36 GMT -6
Bayflower laid down as well, licking his sore paws. "At least you don't have to come here every half-moon," he teased. He wondered what else he was supposed to tell Shrikewind. The tom didn't have many questions, which meant he was either terrified or brave. Bayflower couldn't figure out which. "It'll be dark, and then very bright," he said, watching as the sky darkened, star by star. "Step forward, and drink the water. It'll make you cold, and send you to sleep. When you awake, you'll be in StarClan. Don't be afraid. I'll be watching over you the whole time." He stepped up as the moon began to glow. "Ready? Follow me."
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Post by niftyshark on Mar 22, 2019 15:39:27 GMT -6
Shrikewind cracked open one eye and only looked in Bayflower's direction. "I suppose so," he said with a dry chuckle. He fell utterly silent when Bayflower began speaking about what he would have to do once he was at the Frozenpool. It was a while before he murmured an acknowledgment. It sounded unlike anything he'd experienced before, and it left him anxious for multiple reasons. He just hoped that he could be convincing enough to get through the ceremony, and then he could decide what he'd do next. The thought of walking away from everything seemed almost as unbearable as actually going through with it, so he settled with doing what he always did--keeping secrets and staying on the middle ground. It was the most comfortable route for him, and one that he felt the most confident in. Eventually darkness fell, but Shrikewind didn't move; he waited for Bayflower to make the call to start as he went through his plan in his mind over and over again.
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Post by gingerluna on Mar 22, 2019 16:19:53 GMT -6
Bayflower stepped into the tunnel, leading Shrikewind into the cold darkness. He scented the air for water, and slowed as the tunnel opened up, staring forward at the ever so slightly shimmering water before them. "Any second now," he murmured, settling down at the side of the pool. Several moments later, the pool began to glow, shining in the light of the moon above. "Are you ready?"
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Post by niftyshark on Mar 22, 2019 17:00:03 GMT -6
Shrikewind stirred when Bayflower rose up abruptly, and he followed, chasing away his hesitation with a head shake. There was no backing out of it now. They passed through the rocky crevice as the moon was at its highest point, and he froze in his tracks when he saw the Frozenpool, sparkling and immaculate. The breeze that seemed to carry whispers picked up again, and he set his jaw. "I'm ready," he lied. He padded up to the edge of the pool, remembering the medicine cat's instructions. He bent down and pretended to drink the water, then curled up where he was and closed his eyes. How long was a ceremony supposed to take? How was he supposed to react? He didn't know, and he hoped Bayflower didn't either. Shrikewind tried to soften his breathing as much as he could, mimicking sleep.
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Post by gingerluna on Mar 22, 2019 18:17:02 GMT -6
Bayflower watched Shrikewind eagerly as he lapped at the pool, stepping closer to his side so he'd be able to tell if anything went wrong. He was numb with excitement. Watching a leader receive their lives was a once in a lifetime experience, and he didn't want to miss a moment of it.
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Post by Warrioress on Mar 22, 2019 18:23:00 GMT -6
Flareheart had followed the scent trail of the two cats, keeping far enough back that she wouldn't be noticed and had a ready made excuse if a Ravenclan patrol happened upon her. She figured, she'd go just say that she was delivering an important message to Bayflower. She kept low and made sure to move from hiding spot to hiding spot the closer she got to the frozenpool. She peeked out as she spotted the two cats she was following resting outside the cave.
She waited as they did, only moving when the two were already inside did hse move to follow after them. She slipped into the shadows once more, curling herself in a way that any white fur was covered. She watched as Shrikewind went up to the pool and bent his head. She settled down to wait out the ceremony, her ears flicking once before stilling.
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Post by niftyshark on Mar 22, 2019 18:42:09 GMT -6
He lay there, unmoving, for a long time. He had no way to know about the passage of time except by his breathing. His body ached from remaining motionless in a position that started to grow uncomfortable, but he didn't dare disrupt his ruse. Shrikewind ended up almost dozing off, and he had to bite down on his tongue several times so he didn't actually go to sleep. He tried to spend time by imagining how each life would go, but the thoughts quickly turned unpleasant so he stopped. Eventually the mental and physical discomfort grew so intense that he gave in.
He twitched a few times for effect, then unwound himself stiffly. Shrikewind slowly stretched and looked around, his green eyes settling on Bayflower. Swallowing any remorse, he walked closer to the medicine cat and plastered a smile on his face. He avoided speaking, not wanting to disturb the silence that hung in the air around them.
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Post by gingerluna on Mar 22, 2019 18:47:00 GMT -6
Bayflower grew sore on the stone as Shrikewind lay still, occasionally twitching in pain. Eventually he stood up and stretched, pacing around the frozenpool. He gazed down at the brightness, enjoying the solitude, feeling the presence of StarClan all around him. Occasionally he'd hear a stray shuffle, breath, a claw scratching stone, and he'd warm with the knowledge that his ancestors were here with him.
Finally, Shrikewind, now Shrikestar, rose. Bayflower quickly paced over to him, a purr rising in his chest. "Was it everything you expected?" Bayflower asked, wanting to ask more but knowing he wasn't supposed to. "How do you feel?"
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Post by niftyshark on Mar 22, 2019 19:05:56 GMT -6
He could see the awe and respect in Bayflower's eyes, and he took a deep breath to calm himself. "I don't know what I expected. I don't think there's anything that I could compare it to." His mind spun as his thoughts raced back to his previous ones about how he envisioned gaining his lives. "I feel..." Guilty. Ashamed. Numb. "...great," he finished. "Like I could run all the way back to our territory without stopping." Shrikestar rolled his shoulders around, continuing, "I saw so many old clanmates too. Cats I never thought I'd see again." He paused there, not wanting to make up too much at once without being prompted. He would have to stick to his cover like honey, and he was immensely thankful that he wouldn't have to speak of it to anyone else.
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Post by gingerluna on Mar 22, 2019 19:21:47 GMT -6
Bayflower's eyes widened in wonder as Shrikestar spoke, nearly forgetting his purpose there. "That's incredible," he said, tail swishing eagerly behind him. "I know what you mean. It's overwhelming to see them again." He thought of his first time at the Frozenpool, and his mother. "Who'd you see?" he asked, hoping that wasn't an inappropriate question to ask. His mom? Cloudfern? Mothkit? "I mean, if you want to tell me." He looked away for a moment, gazing at the shimmering pool. He wanted to know more about the ceremony, incase he had to help another leader, but he didn't want to pry.
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Post by niftyshark on Mar 23, 2019 20:20:02 GMT -6
Shrikestar hardly thought before he said who came to mind. "I saw Cloudfern and Mothkit, yes. And Creektooth... and my brother Zephyrpaw." While they were all lies, the latter was most certainly a lie. After moons and moons of not knowing if he still lived, he met his long-lost brother a short time ago; it was safe to say that Zephyrpaw wasn't in StarClan. But Bayflower didn't know that, and he would never know that. He refrained from mentioning anyone else, figuring that it would be enough to sate Bayflower's curiosity--and his concern, if there was any. He forced a warm smile, then said, "You must love meeting with them, I imagine. It's an experience unlike any other."
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